Specifications include, but are not limited to: The applicant will administer a statewide Perinatal Mental Health Training Hub and coordinate Hub activities, with the goal of increasing and developing the Perinatal Mental Health workforce in Maryland. The applicant will facilitate the completion of the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Program for a cohort of eligible participants, including providers of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology professionals, and affiliated professionals such as community health workers, doulas, and peer support specialists, who serve the perinatal population in the target jurisdictions. The applicant will provide opportunities for interprofessional and peer-learning opportunities related to perinatal mental health. Applicants must use the PSI Perinatal Mental Health Certification Program Candidate Handbook for most up to date information on program requirements and eligibility criteria (https://www.postpartum.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PSI-PMH-C-Certification-Handbook2022.pdf). 3.2.1 General Requirements 3.2.1.1 The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (https: www.ada.gov/) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in services, programs, and activities. Accessibility and inclusion of diverse populations are essential to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. Contractors must comply with all ADA requirements in their work to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are met. This includes, but is not limited to: ● facilities and any venues used for meetings/conferences are accessible. ● requested accommodations are provided in a timely manner; and ● written and printed materials developed in accessible formats (easy to read, large print, etc.), or providing access to alternative formats. For contracts which include direct patient care or service delivery through a program, the ADA requires entities provide full and equal access for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to: ● reasonable modifications of policies, practices, and procedures. ● effective communication; and ● accessible facilities. 3.2.2 Needs Assessment 3.2.2.1 Within the first 6-months of the award, the applicant must complete a brief needs assessment of the perinatal mental health workforce in Maryland and work with the MDH contract monitor to better understand the needs for perinatal mental health support in Maryland. The applicant will provide a report outlining the findings. This report must: ● describe the current state of the perinatal mental health workforce in Maryland, including the number of providers who are providing perinatal mental health services in Maryland by jurisdiction or region, the types of certifications specific to perinatal mental health completed by providers practicing in Maryland, and basic demographic information of the Maryland perinatal mental health workforce; ● identify the number of individuals who are eligible for the perinatal mental health certification, by profession and jurisdiction or region; ● identify priority populations in Maryland that would be most beneficial to receive the perinatal mental health certification from receiving; and ● barriers to becoming certified in perinatal mental health, and providing mental health services to the perinatal population.
